How difficult is it to get into UC Santa Cruz?

Question

I am a senior and I want to get into UC Santa Cruz but I don't know if I'll be able to. I have a 3.7 GPA and I my rank is 53th amongst 300 students. I have done 100+ hours of community service and I have taken many ap classes but have only passed 1 with a 4. I also am currently taking a college class and I'm planning on taking more as the year progresses. Do you think I'll have a shot at UC Santa Cruz? Any other info/advice/opinions regarding UC Santa Cruz will be appreciated. :)

Answer 1

You will most likely get in, your in the top 5% of your class. But you will probably have to write some really good essays. And get a pretty good score on the SAT/ACT.

Check up on UC Santa Cruz at www.collegeboard.com

And look at their SAT/ACT reqs and start studying.

=] Good Luck and hope this helps.

Answer 2

I graduated from UCSC. You have to keep in mind that all UCs only accept the top 10-12% of high school students.  Though it is easier to get into UCSC than say UCB, you still have to have a good GPA.  A 3.7 overall is good, but you need to do very well on your SATs & all those other exams.  The fact that you didn't pass your other AP exams will bruise your application and you may want to retake the exams if possible and ONLY if you know that you can score well on them.  Taking college classes and doing well in them (B or higher) will show that you can succeed in college.  Write a really good essay, it should help.  It sounds like you have a shot at getting in.  One thing to keep in mind though is that just like all other UCs, getting in is only the first step.  Unlike high school, no one is there to hold your hand; it's survival of the fittest, especially if you're going to be a science major.  UCs are all very competitive.  Good luck!